Governor Newsom mobilizes L.A. debris removal teams to begin work immediately once cleared for safety

LOS ANGELES – Building on Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to direct fast action to clear debris, federal and state debris removal teams are pre-positioned on standby to immediately move into Los Angeles areas devastated by the hurricane-force firestorm, once deemed safe by emergency officials.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), has mission-tasked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to safely remove and dispose of hazardous waste from homes and structures impacted by the Los Angeles fires, as soon as it is safe to enter the affected areas.  

“California is working closely with the federal government to get debris removal teams quickly into neighborhoods devastated by fire. This is the first step to rebuilding and recovery — and we’re clearing any obstacle to ensure this happens as soon as it’s safe for teams to move in.”

Debris removal teams will clean up household hazardous waste, including paint, ammunition, pesticides, propane tanks, and batteries in both conventional and electric vehicles. This is the first — and the most complex — phase of debris removal, which clears the way for the next phase focusing on remaining structural debris, clearing trees at risk of falling and testing the soil for contaminants. 

While the state has extensive experience with clearing cars with combustion engines, cleanup teams are still adapting to newer technologies like Tesla and other lithium-ion batteries, which can pose distinct risks when exposed to high heat from fires. Based on the federal government’s experience during the 2023 Maui Fire, EPA has developed special expertise to ensure proper handling and recycling of these kinds of batteries.

Residents awaiting cleanup of their property should avoid contact with ash and debris, which remains toxic and may contain hidden hazards.

Yesterday, Governor Newsom proposed California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. The funding will support recovery and cleanup, additional wildfire preparedness, and reopening schools shuttered by the fires.

Over the weekend, the Governor signed two executive orders to boost recovery efforts – one to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger by cutting red tape, and the other to direct fast action on clearing debris and preparing for mudslides and flooding.

State’s all-in response

California has mobilized more than 15,000+ personnel including firefighters, guard servicemembers, highway patrol officers and transportation teams to support the ongoing firefight.

In addition, these response efforts include more than 1,900 pieces of firefighting equipment, including 1,390+ engines, 80+ aircraft, 170+ dozers and 160+ water tenders to aid in putting out the fires.

Last week, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency and he subsequently issued multiple executive orders to support communities affected by the ongoing fires. On Wednesday, President Biden quickly approved Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts. The state also received continued federal assistance to combat the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires.

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By calling 800-621-3362
• By using the FEMA smart phone application
• Assistance is available in over 40 languages
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.